Kudzu Playhouse is taking its act to the streets of beautiful downtown Hernando. The group's youth arm, Kidzu, is hosting its first fundraiser, the Drama Dash 5K, on Saturday.

The race starts and finishes at Hernando High School, 805 Dilworth Lane. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The race starts at 9 a.m. and is open to all ages and abilities, from serious runners to leisurely walkers. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in a favorite costume and pets on a leash are welcome to join the race with their owner.

Prizes will be awarded for the top three best overall times in the male and female categories and medals will be awarded for the top three best times in each male and female age category. Prizes will also be awarded for the most original costumes. Everyone is invited to the fun-filled after-race party where there will be entertainment and various activities for all ages.

All of the planning for the event has been done by the Kidzu board (with guidance from a few adult volunteers). The Kidzu Board is composed of local youths, ages 14-17, who have been actively involved in Kudzu and Kidzu productions. The group's goal is for 100 percent of the money collected from race registration fees to be put toward supporting Kidzu programs, including one dedicated youth-only production each season, summer theater arts camps, and theater training workshops. Generous donations from several sponsors have already been received, including DeSoto Bounce, Velvet Cream and the Mid-South Dressage Academy and are helping the group toward reaching their goal.

Kidzu board president Hannah Childers, a senior at Hernando High School, thought that planning the event would be a breeze.

"I have never planned anything like this and really thought it would take little to no work until almost a week beforehand," she said.

Childers was amazed to realize how much work goes into planning this type of event and has been surprised at how much she has learned.

"This experience has strengthened my communication skills, improved my ability to speak to large groups, and definitely made me better at keeping things organized," she said.

Every member of the Kidzu board has been closely involved in all aspects of the event planning, including things like writing the sponsor request letter, laying out the race registration form, securing race support services and obtaining prizes. Board member Johnny Fedorenko designed the Drama Dash logo, the event poster and the race T-shirt that each registered participant will receive.

With all the hard work and long hours the team has committed, Childers has high hopes for participation.

"I would love for everyone in the region to come out and support our group by running, walking, being a sponsor or just enjoying the after-party."

The entry fee is $25 per person. Drama Dash race registration and sponsorship forms are available on the Kudzu Playhouse website at kudzuplayers.com.